ACT Capital Advisors’ CEO and Chairman, Robert (Bob) Hild, was recently featured in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Dealmaker Spotlight. You can also read the article published on their site here.

Puget Sound Business Journal‘s Dealmaker Spotlight: Q&A with Robert Hild

Is 2025 a good time to sell?
Robert Hild: Yes — $2.5 trillion in private equity dry powder and $4 trillion in corporate cash are fueling strategic acquisitions. Many corporations are turning to acquisitions as a strategic way to achieve growth, driving strong valuations in the lower and middle markets. It is basic supply and demand. There are too few quality companies and too much capital; thus, valuations remain at all-time highs.

What is my business worth?
Hild: Ultimately, your business is worth what the right buyer is willing to pay. The key to maximizing value is identifying buyers who see strategic advantages — whether through cost efficiencies, market expansion, or synergies. At ACT Capital Advisors, we create a competitive process to attract buyers who recognize your business’s full potential.

What are my exit options?
Hild: You have several options:

• Close the doors and liquidate.
• Sell to your management team, though they often lack funding.
• Transition ownership to employees through an ESOP, which is complex and does not fully mitigate seller risk.
• Pass down to the next generation, but 80% of those transitions fail and make for awkward holiday dinners.
• Sell to a third party, either a financial buyer focused on returns or a strategic buyer who can leverage your business for additional growth.

Can I sell part of my business now and more later?
Yes. Many owners choose to sell a portion of their business to diversify their financial risk while continuing to lead and grow the company. This approach allows you to take liquidity while maintaining upside potential.

Are all investment bankers the same?
No. A strong advisory firm should have deep industry experience, a refined process that attracts multiple buyers, a high close rate, and a proven record of securing above-market valuations.

Maximize Your Business Value Amid Uncertainty

The U.S. administration’s recent tariff announcements have created uncertainty, with some tariffs currently paused but still looming. If you think your business is well-positioned to sell and unaffected by tariffs, this could be an excellent time to consider an exit, as you could command a premium valuation and potentially a higher price in a sale.

If you’re concerned about how tariffs or other uncertainties might impact your future exit plans, please contact us today. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and make sure you’re set up for success.

To better understand whether you’re in a good position to sell, take our Score Your Business quiz to see where you stand.

About ACT Capital Advisors  
ACT Capital Advisors is a premier mergers & acquisitions firm representing lower to middle-market companies across all industries. ACT has a 40-year history of deal-making, closing 250+ transactions, and unlocking over $2.5 billion in wealth for its clients. For more information, visit https://actcapitaladvisors.com/.